Though Plycraft was later known for making facsimiles of Eames lounge chair designs, the company hired designer George Mulhauser for a line of original seating called "Mr. Chair"
Paul R. Goldman founded Plycraft in 1953, first producing plywood furniture after World War II, taking a brief time-out to make fiberglass boats. Plycraft was in operation in Massachusetts until 1994 and despite auspicious beginnings (Goldman himself was referred to as one of the "new Horatio Algers of business" in a 1962 issue of TIME magazine, and the first chairs he produced were for Herman Miller), later knockoffs and design disputes sullied Plycraft's reputation.
It's unfortunate, then, that the company isn't as recognized for its original commissions, like the Mr. Chair designed by George Mulhauser with a single-shell back, winged arms, and a tufted leather seat.
Before becoming a principal designer for Plycraft, George Mulhauser designed for Herman Miller as member of George Nelson and Associates. Mulhauser designed Nelson’s iconic Coconut Chair, and likely Nelson’s Kangaroo Chair as this form is a clear continuation of the earlier Herman Miller design.
Before :